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About Kirkland

City of Kirkland, Washington

About Kirkland

A stone’s throw from Seattle
Kirkland lies on the northeastern shores of Lake Washington, a stone’s throw from Seattle over the I-520 Evergreen Point floating bridge. No other city has as many waterfront parks on this lake as Kirkland. Tree-lined boulevards, a low-rise downtown, lanes of boutique shops and restaurants, intriguing outdoor sculptures, many positioned for public interaction, and people engaging in all kinds of recreation, give Kirkland a feeling of being permanently on vacation. Peel away the first impression of those 'expensive' lakefront condos, and visitors discover what locals have always known-that Kirkland is an authentic, accessible, and affordable place to visit, walk around and play.

The locals from this city of more than 45,000 have avidly pursued their cultural, environmental, and recreational interests. Now, visitors from throughout the world are discovering what makes Kirkland a place of history, nature and metro 'lifestying.'

Strolling along Kirkland's waterfront parks and beaches is a popular pastime, made all the more romantic by panoramic views of the lake, Seattle skyline and Olympic Mountains that lie beyond.  Year-round evening sunsets reflect the mood of the region and the season—crimson with heat in July or streaked with slate grey clouds and mist in March.  Bald eagles dip into the water for fish while sailboats and windsurfers catch currents of air, kayakers explore the shoreline, and motorboats tie up at public docks next to restaurants in the region’s only downtown waterfront.

Much of Kirkland's aquatic environment is habitat to shorebirds, nesting eagles, and nocturnal beavers. Recently, the Audubon Society sited Kirkland’s Juanita Bay Park as one of the best urban wildlife preserves in the region. The city's much envied park system includes several swimming beaches, a working pioneer nursery, hikable woodlands, walkable wetlands, marinas for boating and sightseeing excursions, crisply groomed all-American ball parks, and many other public sports courts and facilities.

Kirkland's arts scene is sophisticated and international, but also quirky and homegrown. Fine arts galleries bring major exhibitions to town and feature prominent artists. The Kirkland Performance Center brings in name acts and performers. Yet anyone may take a painting or pottery class at the Kirkland Arts Center. Buy an affordable keepsake there or at the artists' collective, the weekly farmers markets, or the two year-round Christmas stores.  Heritage Hall, a choice spot for wedding receptions, is the place to stop and speak to local history buffs. A walking-tour map shows notable houses and buildings from the 1880s for those who wish to see vintage architecture.

Many retailers in downtown Kirkland are sole proprietors who handpick merchandise for sale themselves. In addition to upscale art galleries, there's a cluster of stylish furniture shops, decorative arts stores, one-of-a-kind clothing boutiques, and several beauty salons and spas. Go treasure hunting for colorful local fare and find locally grown gourmet and heirloom produce at Kirkland's seasonal farmers market. A number of designer clothing and furniture consignment stores, plus favorite brand retailers, round out Kirkland's uncommon offerings.

Kirkland is bustling with brides. Bridal resources include gowns, jewelry, florals, linens, stunning locations, catering and dining, honeymoon suites, packaged options, and even an amphibian car for couples wishing to drive off and cruise into the sunset (by special arrangement).

A full range of culinary experiences and just plain good food can be found throughout the city.  There are choices to satisfy all palates, ethnicities, occasions, cravings and gatherings.  During warm weather, sidewalks are spilling over with al fresco seating, as is the fine wine shop owned by the former Mayor whobrings his own Golden retriever to work and provides a tie-up spot plus water bowl for his customers' dogs.

The easygoing romance that Kirkland inspires springs from its abundant choice of diversions.  Twice daily, sightseeing cruises on Lake Washington skirt the boundaries of estates owned by Bill Gates and other local captains of industry.  Wide bike lanes attract serious tri-athletes and Sunday peddlers. Multi-colored beachside playgrounds team with tumbling kids. Marina Park’s open-air pavilion hosts summer concerts, kids entertainment, dance nights and special events.  Summer weekends bring out classic car lovers and urban bikers looking like middle-aged and mind-mannered Hell’s Angels. And just try to keep up with the Volkssporters, whose national association (American Volkssports Association) voted Kirkland one of the best walking routes in the country.

Because temperatures are mild, ranging from the 50s in the winter to the 80s in the summer, year-round outdoor activity is common.  Warm summer nights turns the town Mediterranean, the restaurants fold out their French windows, shops stay open late, and the chatter of different languages and dialects wafts in and out of earshot.  Many of these are Microsoft transplants taking a well-earned break.

Kirkland is also home to the Seattle Seahawks training fields and headquarters, and the Junior Softball World Series inspires many youngsters who are fun to watch at competitive play. Kids soccer is big, and the Kirkland Kodiaks amateur baseball team is wildly popular.